The Clean Air Act had a 600% return-on-investment since it was enacted in 1970 through 1990. Of course, some of that value was computed somewhat arbitrarily by putting a dollar value on human life and health, but still, the government isn't the first to do that for cost-benefit computations. (See how Ford knowingly allowed faulty Pintos and then, 20 years later, faulty tires on their SUVs to kill people because it was cheaper than a recall.)